tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31170871422665596302024-03-14T03:25:36.222-05:00Cindy RiddleTypical Suburban mom. Just trying to do the best I can. Follow my journey, as I hopefully grow, learn, and make new friends along the way.Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-16695963465736546332018-08-15T12:30:00.000-05:002018-08-15T12:30:02.241-05:00MN State Parks: Crow Wing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We visited <a href="http://www.exploreminnesota.com/places-to-stay/570/crow-wing-state-park" target="_blank">Crow Wing State Park</a> in early <span style="font-size: large;">fall</span>. The weather hadn't turned yet so the trees still had their leaves. We decided to put in our <span style="font-size: large;">kayaks</span>. Others were just getting of the river and the <span style="font-size: large;">sun</span> was shining. </div>
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We tend to be pretty conservative and I have to admit we were pretty <span style="font-size: large;">nervous</span>. The Crow flows into the Mississippi here and the water in the river was <span style="font-size: large;">high</span> and running fast. We gave strict instructions to our <span style="font-size: large;">girls</span> about staying <span style="font-size: large;">focused</span> and being extra careful not to tip. It was a <span style="font-size: large;">beautiful</span> float, but I think we will keep to <span style="font-size: large;">calmer</span> waters in the future.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a beautiful day on the water.</td></tr>
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There are <span style="font-size: large;">plenty</span> of other things to do <span style="font-size: large;">off</span> the water. Pretty <span style="font-size: large;">trails</span> take advantage of the river's beauty. The campground is like many of the other State Parks of MN. Drinking water throughout the grounds, warnings about <span style="font-size: large;">raccoons</span>, an amphitheater for educational presentations during peak seasons.</div>
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In the park there is a <span style="font-size: large;">Historical</span> Land Mark the "Old Crow Wing Village". There is a modernly build <span style="font-size: large;">board</span> <span style="font-size: large;">walk</span> with historical plaques, and an old building to view. </div>
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The Park's best feature are the gently sloping, easy to walk, <span style="font-size: large;">paths</span> that crisscross throughout. </div>
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We had one day of <span style="font-size: large;">beautiful</span> weather. Then we were reminded it was <span style="font-size: large;">October</span> in MN and it got cool. No problem, that's what a <span style="font-size: large;">campfire</span> is for and we like to sleep in the <span style="font-size: large;">crisp</span> fall air. We used the fire to roast marshmallows and to keep a pot of water <span style="font-size: large;">hot</span> for cocoa, tea, and coffee. We prefer a <span style="font-size: large;">crackling</span> <span style="font-size: large;">fire</span> when it's cool not when it's hot and you just want to get away!</div>
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Sometime during our <span style="font-size: large;">planned</span> final night of camping it started to <span style="font-size: large;">rain</span>. We checked the radar and the best was going to be a short window when it <span style="font-size: large;">slowed</span>, no stopping for the day. </div>
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Womp, Womp, Womp.</div>
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We enjoy <span style="font-size: large;">tent</span> <span style="font-size: large;">camping</span>, but we don't attempt to make it fun when it's not. So we <span style="font-size: large;">quickly</span> loaded up. Here is where it comes in handy to camp frequently and <span style="font-size: large;">each</span> <span style="font-size: large;">person</span> <span style="font-size: large;">always</span> <span style="font-size: large;">helps</span> with set up and tear down. We all quickly did our parts, and everything was quickly and securely stored for <span style="font-size: large;">transport</span> home. We then <span style="font-size: large;">dashed</span> to the bathroom to brush our hair and teeth so we could head into Brainerd.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MN State Parks provide fire rings with grates.</td></tr>
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Yelp helped us find a <span style="font-size: large;">cafe</span> where we got <span style="font-size: large;">hot</span> coffee and breakfast before heading home to unpack and <span style="font-size: large;">dry</span> everything thoroughly before storing for the season. (We do this step <span style="font-size: large;">every</span> time we get rained on, no one wants to sleep in a <span style="font-size: large;">moldy</span> tent.)</div>
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Camping will always have it's ups and downs, but so does <span style="font-size: large;">everything</span> else. Choose to have fun and roll with it. Our <span style="font-size: large;">best</span> memories are usually when something went wrong. So <span style="font-size: large;">smile</span>, snap a photo and show your kids how to handle bumps with <span style="font-size: large;">grace</span>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late night visit from a lock smith and we are back in the car!</td></tr>
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**I do want to note that when we visited there was signage stating that the bathrooms were going to be replaced in 2018. They even had a suggestion box! I really hope they use my suggestion of a dish washing station like they have at Baker Park Reserve. If you plan on visiting Crow Wing in 2018 you might want to call ahead.</div>
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** I may get paid for links that you click on this blog. Any posts that include free or discounted services or product in exchange for reviewing are plainly stated within the post.</div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-39500371782821815902018-08-08T12:30:00.000-05:002018-08-08T12:30:17.368-05:00MN State Parks: Itasca<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Itasca: The headwaters of the Mississippi. Having traveled down river it is hard to imagine such a humble beginning for the Mighty Mississippi. </div>
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We ventured to this state park on 4th of July Weekend. Unlike Mystery Cave, I don't think I'd recommend such a busy weekend for this park. The walking paths and water were teaming with people. The campsites filled up fast and there wasn't much left to choose from by the time we decided to head here.</div>
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This quiet looking photo of my 2 girls wading in the Mississippi, belies the scene right behind us.</div>
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Am I the only one who looks at the image and wonders how long it takes for this water to get to the Gulf of Mexico? 3 months. Yep any leaf, grass, hair, etc that enters here, floats down river for 3 months joining with stuff others drop, resulting in water that I do NOT want to wade in.</div>
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The head waters were a bit dull. I don't really know what I expected, but this gentle stream does not fit the image most of us have of the Might Mississippi. Not far down river, by Crow Wing State Park the river's power is on display as I had expected.</div>
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It was still a fantastic park visit though. We spotted our first Lady Slipper. This wild growing orchid is the MN state flower and is protected. (Apparently you can dig them up over in WI, but don't try that here!) We actually saw a few of them growing amongst the trees. Our family was more excited by this elusive find than we were the trickle of water over some rocks.</div>
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After the obligatory visit to the headwaters, we headed to the swimming beach at Lake Itasca. It was on the busier side, but had plenty of space so didn't feel cramped. The nearby restroom had changing rooms and shower areas to clean up before heading out. They also had a variety of watercraft available for rent, and this nearby playground.</div>
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After a full day, we found a pet friendly restaurant in Walker to refresh before heading back home.</div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-6142785950595429192018-07-25T12:30:00.000-05:002018-07-25T12:30:02.908-05:00MN State Parks: Interstate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Interstate Park is close to home so we've gotten to visit during different times of the year. Straddling the St. Croix River, this park is in both <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00178#homepage" target="_blank">MN</a> and <a href="https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/interstate/" target="_blank">WI</a>. You can <a href="https://reservemn.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/" target="_blank">camp</a> on both sides. Because we have a MN sticker, we park on the MN side and hike over to WI. (not a hard walk.)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the MN side</td></tr>
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Fall is a beautiful time to visit when the leaves are changing. Just remember if you are going to camp that trees only change colors when the nights get cold. Plan accordingly. </div>
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It's not just about the leaves though. Every time we've visited, the rangers station has had an activity for the kids. Expect to learn about vegetation, animals, and even glacier potholes that are in the park.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the WI side.</td></tr>
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A day trip to hike with friends is a fun way to enjoy the colors on a beautiful fall day. (That tip is true for any state park that is close to you. Pack a picnic and head out for the afternoon.)</div>
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Interstate Park is located near <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g43567-Activities-Taylors_Falls_Minnesota.html" target="_blank">Taylors Falls</a>. In addition to the typical cafes, and local ice cream joints you'll find a place called <a href="http://www.fawndoerosa.com/" target="_blank">Fawn Doe Rosa</a>. We picked up tickets during a silent auction, benefit dinner and were in for an unexpected treat! It's essentially a large petting zoo. We got there when it opened and for some reason most people went to the left so we went to the right. We were basically by ourselves for a while and the dear bounded over to us. We looked through the gift shop on the way out, and picked up a couple of postcards.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have you ever been this close to a deer?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy doesn't seem to know what Thanksgiving is all about.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">None of the animals were afraid of humans.</td></tr>
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The Campground on the MN side offers access to the St. Croix. (WI may too, but we didn't check out their campground.) It is pretty shallow there so we waded out a ways to throw our line into the current. It was hot that day and we lost some bait, but didn't real anything in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDuMp5_IYeoB_NCIqEQ2GFubXBB-Q9IIXkRlX6jmvlxR8I2YY4_mpmzecvTySlJko6T4nIkh0RGGcKVlMS9o1cA1JzxHGxtPH_gd-eCEZUXCRwcKO51MxI2hEGk5CJLB7HbptovO1eOwG/s1600/20150926_161213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDuMp5_IYeoB_NCIqEQ2GFubXBB-Q9IIXkRlX6jmvlxR8I2YY4_mpmzecvTySlJko6T4nIkh0RGGcKVlMS9o1cA1JzxHGxtPH_gd-eCEZUXCRwcKO51MxI2hEGk5CJLB7HbptovO1eOwG/s320/20150926_161213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you have been following along on this MN State Park blog series I hope that you are being inspired to get out and enjoy nature with your family. We've been intentional about spending less time on our screens and more time engaging with each other. Sitting around a camp site encourages deep conversations and vision casting for the future. Enjoying new experiences doesn't have to cost a ton, or take loads of planning. You and your kids will just remember the laughs and the sweet moments caught on camera.</div>
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** I may get paid for links that you click on this blog. Any posts that include free or discounted services or product in exchange for reviewing are plainly stated within the post.</div>
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Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-54628530795489716572018-07-18T12:30:00.000-05:002018-07-18T12:30:00.139-05:00National Parks: Voyageurs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sJ8x6oVMfqZ8l894YrtkM6x2gVNTzm3W80rHuWmbYNB0_cGF4FdpYdEeurW2gTGnfpNXdvnrSSiqhBSml2Wg1HiCQsMsWm2wiwMMuOyEB6xeNppI1hBUBd8pDGLqWiZ6VyoTFYYzev5s/s1600/GEDC0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sJ8x6oVMfqZ8l894YrtkM6x2gVNTzm3W80rHuWmbYNB0_cGF4FdpYdEeurW2gTGnfpNXdvnrSSiqhBSml2Wg1HiCQsMsWm2wiwMMuOyEB6xeNppI1hBUBd8pDGLqWiZ6VyoTFYYzev5s/s320/GEDC0372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.nps.gov/voya/index.htm" target="_blank">Voyageurs National Park</a> was the 2nd time I ever camped. We didn't have much of a system down yet, but we had a tent and a government provided bear locker. What more do you need? Well to camp Lake Kabetogama in Voyagers you also need a boat.</div>
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Some National Parks are starting to implement a reservation system, but the vast majority of sites in all the parks are first come first serve. We got to the lake, checked in at the rangers station, loaded the boat with all our gear and launched. We spent a good deal of time on the water enjoying the ride and looking for an open spot. Even though many of the sites were already full, the lake is big and you will feel pretty isolated.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FJkT8HRRccocVRfE5BM5fizHUbfkzmjNhClJIR_pBRsE2v9U8U645eBup0ISHYz3sahAWelhSp3h6jSzkX-9ZYw3oOPWz3Q22TfvkjN5XgwcSrq_FkPzpVWWruTikThKC_bunNr8lRAW/s1600/GEDC0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FJkT8HRRccocVRfE5BM5fizHUbfkzmjNhClJIR_pBRsE2v9U8U645eBup0ISHYz3sahAWelhSp3h6jSzkX-9ZYw3oOPWz3Q22TfvkjN5XgwcSrq_FkPzpVWWruTikThKC_bunNr8lRAW/s320/GEDC0331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After several attempts we found an island that was unoccupied by human or bear. Yes, we did see a black bear at one open site, but I was too slow with the camera and we decided to let him/her have it.</div>
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We eventually found a rocky site with a tent pad that over looked the lake. The sun was shining so we left the rain fly off. We did have a bit of dew in the morning, but looking up at the stars every time I rolled over was worth it! We didn't get to see any Northern Lights, but if you are planning a visit here be sure to check the <a href="http://www.aurora-service.org/aurora-forecast/" target="_blank">Aurora Forecast </a>since it's common to see them this far North.</div>
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Having already seen a bear we gladly stowed all our food in the bear locker. Did you know that you should also put your toothpaste, soap and other toiletries that have an odor in there as well?</div>
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This trip we got a lot of "I'm bored" from the kids. so we taught them how to skip rocks, and to look for small animals along the shore. Look at this cute little guy.</div>
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I now have a <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2018/05/tent-camping-easy-way.html?m=1" target="_blank">well stocked camping equipment tote</a>, and the kids have learned how to have fun exploring nature. I'm glad I didn't give up after the first few times. </div>
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There are plenty of busy commercial campgrounds with tons of fun kid activities. Those book fast and usually cost a bit more, learning to enjoy nature has many benefits <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/parent-child/why-kids-need-nature" target="_blank">beyond</a> the obvious cost savings.</div>
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** I may get paid for links that you click on this blog. Any posts that include free or discounted services or product in exchange for reviewing are plainly stated within the post.</div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-58854519623941111942018-07-11T12:30:00.000-05:002018-07-11T12:30:07.024-05:00MN State Parks: Baker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Baker Park is part of the Metro's Three River Park district and not technically a "state park". That just means it is <span style="font-size: large;">less </span>rustic. They offer electric and non-electric sites, large well maintained bathrooms with attached outdoor <span style="font-size: large;">dish washing stations</span> help to keep the campground clean.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6In93IOXWSwh4h4Y-if00WHDCj4vHaSXu0rIYMnvNSxGEiJctByxH8zfaImfapmi_h0BOVxW63M7BeHe6SDj4EYfJV7UmAE91_H1j6-ColPQ02e2DB_Lg-DiZri1bh6B23DvQtqyg4hdz/s1600/20160910_200134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6In93IOXWSwh4h4Y-if00WHDCj4vHaSXu0rIYMnvNSxGEiJctByxH8zfaImfapmi_h0BOVxW63M7BeHe6SDj4EYfJV7UmAE91_H1j6-ColPQ02e2DB_Lg-DiZri1bh6B23DvQtqyg4hdz/s320/20160910_200134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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This Campground is <span style="font-size: large;">large</span> with lots of camp sites.Great if you are going with a group, not very quiet if your looking for that. It gets pretty smokey in the <span style="font-size: large;">evening </span>when everyone gets their fires going, and all the people and a not to distant train track add to the noise level.</div>
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It is a <span style="font-size: large;">busy</span> park for good reason though. <span style="font-size: large;">Miles</span> of paved <span style="font-size: large;">trails </span>make it a bikers dream. You can see in the photo "biker gangs" are a common site. Don't those kids look tough?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW3rEFw2bN8UaTcJD3we_Wl_b7ElPMKNNojwRLmQbMfnWPy1a30M6AGt1faORLccspQjtUzjkMNcuxydbrumul3jjETu4ffjAEVU56oqIHtQg8RlJB0GNpcFl6RLYvZl-7t9F-b7stwjf/s1600/21728093_1964817073546705_7674513114984152563_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW3rEFw2bN8UaTcJD3we_Wl_b7ElPMKNNojwRLmQbMfnWPy1a30M6AGt1faORLccspQjtUzjkMNcuxydbrumul3jjETu4ffjAEVU56oqIHtQg8RlJB0GNpcFl6RLYvZl-7t9F-b7stwjf/s320/21728093_1964817073546705_7674513114984152563_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A <span style="font-size: large;">short </span>walk brings you to a lake with a beach and boat launch. Along the shore there is also a large play structure with a super <span style="font-size: large;">fun </span>zip line.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CbLrHM7uGUYZz2IAlDQnux8GvsetaWmr_KeqiOUXRqY5s59eY8-7IgeX6j26tYmhKe_qRAEs_UJZLw8BqC6iuvMSJu3o9Rrx8Z6V5bWNK_uCijAu8JPiQYxgaPmg22Yo2gUwtahT1eFG/s1600/20160910_085552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CbLrHM7uGUYZz2IAlDQnux8GvsetaWmr_KeqiOUXRqY5s59eY8-7IgeX6j26tYmhKe_qRAEs_UJZLw8BqC6iuvMSJu3o9Rrx8Z6V5bWNK_uCijAu8JPiQYxgaPmg22Yo2gUwtahT1eFG/s320/20160910_085552.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This park books quickly. The Camper Cabins are usually gone a year in advance! That is how much <span style="font-size: large;">fun </span>this campground is. Our kids favorite is to <span style="font-size: large;">build </span>"stuff with sticks" in the woods.</div>
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** I may get paid for links that you click on this blog. Any posts that include free or discounted services or product in exchange for reviewing are plainly stated within the post.</div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-24461376346900729472018-06-29T19:30:00.000-05:002018-06-29T22:40:47.317-05:00Finding Fun Inside the Box<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOezC-xifDCdzd7KvRJPmpRuT1nAsNWR2QH7yOEkFKyclW5kQ3TViBjkHRbsBG-knKxfYE_BBbXLHgEAU0lE5-3MQwnJSaGoEzamTNnRwxzZRZBC5Nr1mMmeXzNWzkAyMuSJJ0PMtZKAi/s1600/20180629_132018%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOezC-xifDCdzd7KvRJPmpRuT1nAsNWR2QH7yOEkFKyclW5kQ3TViBjkHRbsBG-knKxfYE_BBbXLHgEAU0lE5-3MQwnJSaGoEzamTNnRwxzZRZBC5Nr1mMmeXzNWzkAyMuSJJ0PMtZKAi/s320/20180629_132018%257E2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As you know reader, we are always looking for fun and educational things we can do with our kids. My Vet ran across a monthly subscription for <a href="https://www.kiwico.com/Refer?i=JeremyR44" target="_blank">Kiwi Co</a>. a few months ago that we finally decided to try. (Thanks eerily, accurately, targeted ads.)<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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They offer a variety of categories for all ages of kids. We couldn't decide between Doodle, that we knew the kids would like, and Tinker that mom and dad liked. So we got both.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVEX1XQBECt52on_vQzp4KX7wSVDYT1q94EgEj0rPphdMoSnat4J94BN7toKcOq1jdrxuohjTZSbz1psUkQ0g8xxcXAogRCJu6mnaWuT4U5irmzqRclEJt8XsHY7I0aIOp437hXezFzGx/s1600/20180629_133606_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVEX1XQBECt52on_vQzp4KX7wSVDYT1q94EgEj0rPphdMoSnat4J94BN7toKcOq1jdrxuohjTZSbz1psUkQ0g8xxcXAogRCJu6mnaWuT4U5irmzqRclEJt8XsHY7I0aIOp437hXezFzGx/s320/20180629_133606_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first (Tinker) box arrived earlier this week. Today a crazy heatwave had us finding refuge in the air conditioning instead of playing outside, a perfect day for a box of fun.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCp3TqYyeO_jmQjombWI3FV2cqVP-SkDF6zn1xwR3g5usX8z7bppabqeuPM0rdk69n4yWwZ_cEEQL7CdR0vHhpQJow0n0vGz8hcnTuK0ivY-WhEwXtdObv7l0RI2JKXleWunmwq94Qz8yf/s1600/20180629_134258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCp3TqYyeO_jmQjombWI3FV2cqVP-SkDF6zn1xwR3g5usX8z7bppabqeuPM0rdk69n4yWwZ_cEEQL7CdR0vHhpQJow0n0vGz8hcnTuK0ivY-WhEwXtdObv7l0RI2JKXleWunmwq94Qz8yf/s320/20180629_134258.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step by step illustrated instructions are thorough.</td></tr>
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The box was a self contained project. The only tool that wasn't provided was a pair of scissors. (I think most of us have those around the house.) The blueprints were easy to follow. I don't think the kids thought building a circuit board was as cool as dad and I did though. They were more interested in finishing so they could use it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr3EUF0WNI7QLQfCCOBY0yLhfu0YDiBS4nIR9LSDyNpWWeRgobiQyt-2587MaK9pCzlWsHLtqwYL4ysJzzMqxWRkWHwtnyn-ta1fZ551gGAcn71bmpcoT_KOnb2IrOQX0j41Jvf-JeUnp/s1600/20180629_133606_HDR%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr3EUF0WNI7QLQfCCOBY0yLhfu0YDiBS4nIR9LSDyNpWWeRgobiQyt-2587MaK9pCzlWsHLtqwYL4ysJzzMqxWRkWHwtnyn-ta1fZ551gGAcn71bmpcoT_KOnb2IrOQX0j41Jvf-JeUnp/s320/20180629_133606_HDR%257E2.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That small circuit board connects the motor to the battery pack. The kit has the kids moving the wires and testing how the resisters affect the motor speed.</td></tr>
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After the kids finished playing I sat down with the booklet so that I could better understand it as well. I have a not so secret desire to understand circuit boards better so that I can improve my Dancing Christmas Light Display. Who would have thought that this toy could help me?</div>
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My kids quickly assembled the project and then had fun playing with it. I'm glad I looked through the booklet though, because in addition to information on centripetal and centrifugal force they offered several other activities you could do using household objects like cups, balls, hangers, straws, and water. We'll get to those another day.<br />
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My 9 year old. is excited to open the next (Doodle) box, My 11 year old said she was only building it because she "had" too, and then anxiously elbowed her sister out of the way so that she could have a go at playing with it.<br />
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At about $20 a month (price varies depending on how many you purchase) it is a good value for the amount of entertainment and learning. My kids are at an age where they don't ever want anything for birthdays or Christmas. A <a href="https://www.kiwico.com/Refer?i=JeremyR44" target="_blank">subscription</a> would be a great gift idea.</div>
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We paid full price, but right now you can save on your first month by use the code FLAG at checkout and pay just $9.95 for the first month.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">** I may get paid for links that you click on this blog. Any posts that include free or discounted services or product in exchange for reviewing are plainly stated within the post.</span></div>
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Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-11129269158070118452018-06-27T12:30:00.000-05:002018-06-27T12:30:02.527-05:00Cool Off When it Gets Hot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You don't need to drive to Wisconsin Dells to cool off this summer. I know that the Dells are a blast, but there are plenty of places you can go that are oodles of wet fun and only a short drive from home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6s3VGLCrCjyq7UMDUs-k4YO0MHT1B3xwmW0illZkufmU1lJM0w96XJLcjg-etva9iljWqky15B1uHJaxqfzbl_ZSUohj6GqmEJ5jNnIp2LlbQMlX1m302PAYOETb-wV8t-AF5u8fg2O54/s1600/11538160_10205916761093210_3027501899793959884_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6s3VGLCrCjyq7UMDUs-k4YO0MHT1B3xwmW0illZkufmU1lJM0w96XJLcjg-etva9iljWqky15B1uHJaxqfzbl_ZSUohj6GqmEJ5jNnIp2LlbQMlX1m302PAYOETb-wV8t-AF5u8fg2O54/s320/11538160_10205916761093210_3027501899793959884_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many Twin cities Community centers offer excellent pools that are open year round! <a href="https://www.maplegrovemn.gov/community-center/swimming-pools" target="_blank">Maple Grove</a> opens an additional outdoor section during the summer and offer discounts on Wednesday evenings.<br />
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<a href="https://www.ci.mora.mn.us/index.asp?SEC=F3C58808-0644-435D-879A-E5097A9A92D3&Type=B_BASIC" target="_blank">Mora</a> is North of the Twin cities, but is inexpensive with diving boards, water slides, and a toddler area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHzM3_5Iiz-33h-aCgP48cO8vbMFAlUJPBkJYfbFFua95dhq54QNC3bfjLInS57PWQ-saspWc-Iwbg0L0RrRV-1jptvV51p7Yhi0I_hOD3QzNqTUldZp4_KviJve4FBFsqBvrpjKXoJ0e/s1600/13584923_10208548814572902_190710131798969489_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHzM3_5Iiz-33h-aCgP48cO8vbMFAlUJPBkJYfbFFua95dhq54QNC3bfjLInS57PWQ-saspWc-Iwbg0L0RrRV-1jptvV51p7Yhi0I_hOD3QzNqTUldZp4_KviJve4FBFsqBvrpjKXoJ0e/s320/13584923_10208548814572902_190710131798969489_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.ci.anoka.mn.us/?SEC=4EEF4901-5699-4217-818F-58ECC6E8B0EF" target="_blank">Anoka Aquatic Center</a> is a ton of fun. We gave a shout out on Facebook and were able to meet up with friends for an impromptu gathering. The rock wall, slides, and diving boards are great for older kids, while the splash pad is geared towards toddlers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2quqBpT6dbbYVjayvOQISiQGBz3E646_9KQEZUGZyPl14UzTmrzzAAqJJN-9cEshJvjKO3M1rn3I316AWQhp0QmRn-Et69ADadH8wknhEhTbO6aWYY_y8Rso-qOawBeWqRZRTIg7YmYu/s1600/33599921_1971658716200725_4448906070714220544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2quqBpT6dbbYVjayvOQISiQGBz3E646_9KQEZUGZyPl14UzTmrzzAAqJJN-9cEshJvjKO3M1rn3I316AWQhp0QmRn-Et69ADadH8wknhEhTbO6aWYY_y8Rso-qOawBeWqRZRTIg7YmYu/s320/33599921_1971658716200725_4448906070714220544_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.shoreviewcommunitycenter.com/general-information/waterpark" target="_blank">Shoreview Community Center</a> is indoors, but they periodically offer a "swim in" movie that is a fun change of pace. The coolest thing is the water slide. You get to choose a theme before heading down with the music and light show of your choosing! For mom and dad there is an adult only hot tub to relax in. For toddlers there is a shallow splash area.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8XVnIughRGNHAT8NRQpohDS3Q_V76CkGDwHSWs5zB7tP-fh8jnrd8-Twm1O8ADmWLVM5n1C8vYz89k-ScsgnZng2vKzLhes3VLArp_c2_5d2P3LheiSLPEBj3XzGu5g4CaEmfVHj1nSj/s1600/20180302_192245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8XVnIughRGNHAT8NRQpohDS3Q_V76CkGDwHSWs5zB7tP-fh8jnrd8-Twm1O8ADmWLVM5n1C8vYz89k-ScsgnZng2vKzLhes3VLArp_c2_5d2P3LheiSLPEBj3XzGu5g4CaEmfVHj1nSj/s320/20180302_192245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are ton's of Community Centers in the Metro area that we haven't checked out yet. <a href="http://www.monticellocommunitycenter.com/" target="_blank">Monticello</a>, <a href="http://www.crystalmn.gov/parks_and_amp_recreation/crystal_cove_aquatic_center.php" target="_blank">Crystal</a>, <a href="http://www.edinaaquaticcenter.com/" target="_blank">Edina</a>, <a href="https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/aquatics/como-regional-park-pool" target="_blank">Como Park</a>, and <a href="http://www.bunkerbeach.com/" target="_blank">Bunker Beach</a> in Coon Rapids are all on our list to get to.</div>
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Do not read the list of water parks my kids haven't been to yet and feel bad for them. There are many others they've visited that didn't make this list. We've even taken time during a road trip to stop for a few hours at this random, awesome, public outdoor swimming pool in Brookings, SD.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXQqERhT6CFGtuJ44VM0bjLgHA3Ll2RLMNkcnROndR9XkVkMFPQN8FCZ-BARB5ERtDQ7KQYeO8jXplDQThzQnGguvShxU5q7PFThlEci3TtFOOazYmbqpL6q9D9cbMw6iabaVy__F-8sM/s1600/20160716_175526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXQqERhT6CFGtuJ44VM0bjLgHA3Ll2RLMNkcnROndR9XkVkMFPQN8FCZ-BARB5ERtDQ7KQYeO8jXplDQThzQnGguvShxU5q7PFThlEci3TtFOOazYmbqpL6q9D9cbMw6iabaVy__F-8sM/s320/20160716_175526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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** I may get paid for links that you click on this blog. Any posts that include free or discounted services or product in exchange for reviewing are plainly stated within the post.</div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-77992676295767380112018-06-20T12:30:00.000-05:002018-06-20T12:30:00.871-05:00National Parks: Superior<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Superior National Forest is one of my <span style="font-size: large;">favorite</span>! I'll admit it doesn't make much sense. The first night I ever spent there, it <span style="font-size: large;">rained</span> all night and our tent <span style="font-size: large;">leaked</span>. My Vet was livid. Every weather forecast for the area had clear skies and sunshine. He just kept repeating it all night long, and into the next morning. </div>
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I hadn't camped much by yet, I think he was worried that he would <span style="font-size: large;">never</span> get me to try it again. </div>
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I am getting ahead of myself though. Every August since I was in high school I have gone out and watched the Perseid Meteor Shower. When the girls were little I would wake them up get hot fudge sundaes from McDonalds and drive a bit out of town to sit and watch them. My Vet thought that getting me away from the light pollution would be a great way to get me into camping. He was right.</div>
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After a night camping at Fourmile Lake, where the rain <span style="font-size: large;">didn't</span> stop and there were too many <span style="font-size: large;">trees</span> anyway, My Vet was ready to pack it up and head <span style="font-size: large;">home</span>. I hadn't seen my shooting stars though! In the morning we ate and packed up, then headed in to the rangers station to get signal and check the <span style="font-size: large;">radar</span>.</div>
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Radar indicated it would <span style="font-size: large;">eventually</span> clear up, so we spent some time on the shores of Lake Superior and by the time we headed back in to find a new sight, the <span style="font-size: large;">sun</span> was coming out, and there were plenty of camping sites to be had. The rain had chased away others!</div>
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The camp sites at Fourmile where close together and a short walk to an outhouse. Harriet Lake is more <span style="font-size: large;">spread</span> out. Who doesn't love jumping on a <span style="font-size: large;">4 wheeler</span> or bike to get to the bathroom? My kids take any excuse to 4 wheel or bike. You can see in the photo below our stuff splayed out to dry, which it <span style="font-size: large;">quickly</span> did.</div>
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If you are still <span style="font-size: large;">confused</span> as to why I like it here, look closer at the photo above, There is <span style="font-size: large;">nobody</span> else in site. It is quiet and peaceful. We periodically saw people drive up, pick stuff for a while then leave. This probably won't surprise you, I approached one of the groups and asked them <span style="font-size: large;">what</span> they were doing. They were picking <span style="font-size: large;">wild</span> <span style="font-size: large;">blueberries</span>! I naturally asked them to help me identify them and we were set!</div>
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Being <span style="font-size: large;">new</span> to this camping thing, the kids were not used to entertaining themselves with nothing and needed some help, I grabbed a scratch paper and pen and made our very <span style="font-size: large;">first</span> camping scavenger hunt list and sent them to wonder with a <span style="font-size: large;">camera</span>. Photographing the list has many benefits, we don't accidentally damage any protected species, or come into contact with any poisonous plants, the girls also then have photos to enter into the <span style="font-size: large;">county fair</span>, and I have memories for the scrapbook.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo got a 2nd place ribbon.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">We now go straight to Harriet Lake to set up <span style="font-size: large;">camp</span>. We've also gotten to explore some of the <span style="font-size: large;">other</span> lakes in the area and they are fun to kayak and swim and <span style="font-size: large;">fish</span>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuKUwmjLKM6bwLzTjSPBKEwVvpENMPwUUULyjT-ud-dYWyBzJnC0yI-YBdbIT0QE57DSl_nu8OQjbiYz5g1SSG5VajzOIP9SrMWmRiNyeu-_tGDILxpuPOy5qOV9s7my_sZekWPQOaKVy/s1600/20160813_190707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnuKUwmjLKM6bwLzTjSPBKEwVvpENMPwUUULyjT-ud-dYWyBzJnC0yI-YBdbIT0QE57DSl_nu8OQjbiYz5g1SSG5VajzOIP9SrMWmRiNyeu-_tGDILxpuPOy5qOV9s7my_sZekWPQOaKVy/s320/20160813_190707.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The amenities in Superior National Forest are definitely <span style="font-size: large;">rustic</span>. The bathrooms are simply <span style="font-size: large;">outhouses</span> and on busy weekends you will be glad you followed <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2018/05/tent-camping-easy-way.html" target="_blank">my advice </a>and <span style="font-size: large;">packed</span> toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There is no electricity or running water. There are also no distractions. The conversations and experiences I get to share with my family are worth every bit of <span style="font-size: large;">inconvenience</span>.<br />
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** I may get paid for links that you click on this blog. Any posts that include free or discounted services or product in exchange for reviewing are plainly stated within the post.</div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-15946990411638433672018-06-13T14:52:00.000-05:002018-06-13T14:52:01.014-05:00MN State Parks: Maplewood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh2NFQ8jMAkEtMuVJnTKfsrVN5xtoRoGexGxwl4k4wNTMcJYD3PeCrIFTMwe0fis2EQD9IjOe2faqjBGQP0cr1ZXLF1HzjgYWWG60huMmGNT2F8Dp2KwZLaZnNFK3Nu3jBF1K88iWqRe_/s1600/20180526_204340_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh2NFQ8jMAkEtMuVJnTKfsrVN5xtoRoGexGxwl4k4wNTMcJYD3PeCrIFTMwe0fis2EQD9IjOe2faqjBGQP0cr1ZXLF1HzjgYWWG60huMmGNT2F8Dp2KwZLaZnNFK3Nu3jBF1K88iWqRe_/s320/20180526_204340_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We don't usually camp with a group, but this time we did. We were invited to join 4 other families in <a href="http://www.exploreminnesota.com/places-to-stay/571/maplewood-state-park" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Maplewood</span> </a>State Park near Pelican Rapids, MN. We stayed at the <span style="font-size: large;">Grass Lake Campground </span><span style="font-size: medium;">in addition to campsites they also had a couple of rentable camper cabins.</span>There are other more <span style="font-size: large;">rustic</span> campgrounds in the park, that were less busy. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the water in grass lake.</td></tr>
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Maplewood has several lakes. Fishing, renting boats and paddleboards are an option at Grass Lake, but there is <span style="font-size: large;">no swim area</span>. We drove to the otherside of the park to put in our kayaks. <span style="font-size: large;">Lake Lida</span> has a boat launch and a swim beach as well as a rustic campground. <span style="font-size: large;">Weirdly</span> there is no water filling station at the swim beach even though there was a bathroom and picnic shelter. We also learned that Minnesota <span style="font-size: large;">residents</span> can fish <span style="font-size: large;">without</span> a fishing license in <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fishing.html" target="_blank">most</a></span> MN state parks!</div>
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Most MN state parks have <span style="font-size: large;">drinking water stations </span>throughout their campgrounds and on or near any building with running water. I have a history of heat stroke so tend to be very careful about my water intake on hot days. I didn't pack extra assuming I could fill up at the swimming area before heading back. <span style="font-size: large;">Lucky</span> for me some of our friends had brought a cooler to the beach and shared water they had brought over.<br />
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The<span style="font-size: large;"> drinking</span> <span style="font-size: large;">water</span> <span style="font-size: large;">quality</span> at Maplewood was <span style="font-size: large;">poor</span>. I don't know if it was just because it was early in the season, but the water was very rusty. The <span style="font-size: large;">lemonade</span> <span style="font-size: large;">packets</span> did not cover the taste, so we ended up getting some water in town. We did drink a little, if our water bottles drained before we could get back to camp and fill up, but we tried to <span style="font-size: large;">avoid</span> drinking it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jug of rusty "drinking" water waiting to be used to put out the camp fire.</td></tr>
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We don't always opt for <span style="font-size: large;">electricity</span>, but in order to be near the bathrooms it was the only option. We got lucky again. The unseasonably <span style="font-size: large;">hot</span> weather was bearable thanks to the<span style="font-size: large;"> large fan </span>we were able to run in the tent. This trip we brought a few extras than we<a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2018/05/tent-camping-easy-way.html" target="_blank"> normally pack</a>. The girls brought <span style="font-size: large;">bikes</span> that they rode all weekend, and we brought a movie projector and a sheet for an <span style="font-size: large;">outdoor</span> evening <span style="font-size: large;">movie</span>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss Family Robinson was a camping hit.</td></tr>
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Something else <span style="font-size: large;">different</span> this time, was the group we were with planned themed <span style="font-size: large;">potluck</span> dinners. Everyone signed up ahead of time via email to make sure that all the bases were covered. <span style="font-size: large;">Initially</span> I was not looking forward to it, since it would disrupt our honed camping routine. It went well though and was a <span style="font-size: large;">nice</span> way of bringing us all together in the evening. We all<span style="font-size: large;"> ate really well </span>and it wasn't super difficult for anyone. If you are camping with a group it made sense to plan together some of the aspects.<br />
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Even though our group had 5 kids, we had <span style="font-size: large;">more dogs than kids!</span> All had been well socialized and the few that were still learning were constantly <span style="font-size: large;">on leash</span> (MN state parks require all pets to be on leash at all times) and actively being trained by their people. If you do not have a well <span style="font-size: large;">trained</span> dog, or are unsure about your ability to control/train them, do not bring them to a busy camp ground. Read <a href="https://wp.me/s7v205-summer" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more about enjoying <span style="font-size: large;">summer</span> with <span style="font-size: large;">pets</span>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed sugar cones warming in the fire.</td></tr>
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This trip we learned about the Hiking and Passport club at MN State Parks. You can earn 2 <span style="font-size: large;">free</span> nights just by visiting. Find out more <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/clubs.html" target="_blank">here</a>. It costs $7 a day to drive into a MN State Park, or for $35 you can <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html" target="_blank">buy an annual pass.</a> The annual pass is <span style="font-size: large;">unlimited</span> admission and can be used all over the state for day trips, camping, hiking etc. If you don't like stickers in your windshield the DNR also has a special license plate that admits you as well. If you live in the metro, some of the libraries allow you to check out a 7 day pass for free!</div>
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We love the time spent in <span style="font-size: large;">nature</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">exploring</span>, but don't forget the small towns nearby that are fun to explore. We had one rainy morning and decided to grab breakfast at a cafe instead of cooking in the rain. the kids had fun spotting <span style="font-size: large;">pelicans</span> all over town. While in town we picked up more <span style="font-size: large;">ice</span> and drinking water.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the 27 pelicans we spotted during our quick trip.</td></tr>
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We visited over Memorial Day, but Maplewood is known for it's <span style="font-size: large;">maple</span> trees. In early spring they have a <a href="http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/2017/08/31/maplewood-state-park-celebrates-sugar-shack-grand-opening/" target="_blank">sugar shack</a> that is used for maple <span style="font-size: large;">syrup</span> demonstrations! Maybe <span style="font-size: large;">not</span> the best time to camp, but worth a day trip.</div>
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** I may get paid for links that you click on this blog. Any posts that include free or discounted services or product in exchange for reviewing are plainly stated within the post.</div>
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Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-49005899955628450832018-06-06T12:30:00.000-05:002018-06-07T20:46:37.001-05:00MN History Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwpVZONezytQc4YF0CD49VGA1YkhNBRbyBZzzBo-woej9wEZnObmMW0TIno2kInrxCa0d0OFghwDQvt7glx7S4Cxe0rC2Mhhq0zP5x_T0MMu9uLBoGimGGZBM6sJ-kic3oeTq6iOQxIwv/s1600/PicsArt_05-02-10.47.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwpVZONezytQc4YF0CD49VGA1YkhNBRbyBZzzBo-woej9wEZnObmMW0TIno2kInrxCa0d0OFghwDQvt7glx7S4Cxe0rC2Mhhq0zP5x_T0MMu9uLBoGimGGZBM6sJ-kic3oeTq6iOQxIwv/s320/PicsArt_05-02-10.47.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some</span> <a href="http://www.mnhs.org/" target="_blank">MN History Sites</a> are open year round, but may are <span style="font-size: large;">only</span> open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you have school age kids, your kids have probably gone on a <span style="font-size: large;">field trip</span> to at least one of the <span style="font-size: large;">26</span> sites around the state.</div>
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Those of you who have followed my blog for a while know that I like a good <span style="font-size: large;">deal</span>. If you are going to put the MNHS sites on <span style="font-size: large;">your</span> to do <span style="font-size: large;">list</span>, Become a <a href="http://sites.mnhs.org/support/membership/membership" target="_blank">member</a> then visit as <span style="font-size: large;">many</span> as you can in the next year to get the <span style="font-size: large;">most</span> for your money. </div>
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Once a year in the <span style="font-size: large;">winter</span> when no one is thinking about going to the <span style="font-size: large;">mostly closed</span> sites, they offer a <span style="font-size: large;">fantastic</span> <a href="https://www.groupon.com/biz/saint-paul/minnesota-historical-society" target="_blank">Groupon</a> deal. Throughout the year they have <span style="font-size: large;">discounts</span> for teachers, veterans, and seniors, and they have <span style="font-size: large;">membership</span> levels to fit the needs of your family</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When</span> you visit the State Capitol contact <a href="https://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/districtfinder" target="_blank">your</a> local representatives to let them know, I'm <span style="font-size: large;">not</span> promising anything, but my group got to sit in the Legislative chambers for an <span style="font-size: large;">hour</span> asking questions and learning <span style="font-size: large;">directly</span> from our Congresswoman and Senator!</div>
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Oliver Kelley farm is great <span style="font-size: large;">any</span> time of the year, but we like the busyness of spring and fall on the farm. Alexander Ramsey and James J. Hill Houses are amazing at Christmas time.</div>
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My absolute <span style="font-size: large;">favorite</span> was Historic Forestville on the 4th of July. We made a weekend of it and <a href="https://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2018/05/mn-state-parks-mystery-cave.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">camped</span></a> nearby. MNHS goes all out for <span style="font-size: large;">Independence Day</span>. I'm talking red, white, and blue bunting all over town, a brass band, baseball game with period costumes and rules, a <span style="font-size: large;">pie</span> eating contest, 3 legged races, watermelon, singing patriotic hymns with the "towns people", and my personal favorite a <span style="font-size: large;">recitation</span> of the Declaration of Independence by the town vicar.</div>
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I admit that I <span style="font-size: large;">geek</span> out a lot, but that day invoked <span style="font-size: large;">patriotism</span> more than any other Independence Day I've celebrated. No <span style="font-size: large;">fireworks</span>, or BBQ on the beach can fully encapsulate the optimism and sense of community and purpose the way that did. Yes, the recitation got <span style="font-size: large;">long</span>. But the cheering and <span style="font-size: large;">booing</span> during the highs and lows gave a sense of exactly what it means to be an <span style="font-size: large;">American</span>.</div>
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We as a nation would do well to think on this <span style="font-size: large;">declaration</span>. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">"When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands </span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif; text-align: left;">which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind ... </span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,</span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif; text-align: left;">...</span><span style="font-family: "times" , serif;">Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes..."</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>-Excerpt from US Declaration of Independence</i></span></span></div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-416439750256677752018-05-30T12:30:00.000-05:002018-06-07T20:46:02.123-05:00MN State Parks: Mystery Cave<div>
When you have <span style="font-size: large;">kids</span>, camping can be a great way to <span style="font-size: large;">explore</span> nature.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most</span> people who aren't campers think a <span style="font-size: large;">tent</span> is too much work. I'm not going to lie, those first years we came home with <span style="font-size: large;">lists</span> of things we forgot, and over time have dialed in our<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="https://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2018/05/tent-camping-easy-way.html" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">camping routine. </a></div>
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Located in <span style="font-size: large;">Southern</span> MN, near the <span style="font-size: large;">bike trails </span>of Lansboro, and in the heart of Amish county. Mystery Cave State Park offers visitors a <span style="font-size: large;">picturesque </span>retreat. Even though we were several <span style="font-size: large;">hours </span>from home, we still managed to run into people we knew from back home!</div>
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We've found that MN state park campgrounds are a great way to <span style="font-size: large;">explore</span>. <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/reservations_campsite.html" target="_blank">Online </a>booking makes it <span style="font-size: large;">easy</span> to choose a campsite that fits your needs. Most have nicely <span style="font-size: large;">maintained </span>bathrooms, the rest are slated for <span style="font-size: large;">remodels</span> in the near future. We saw staff cleaning the bathrooms daily, and the on site <span style="font-size: large;">campground host</span> was <span style="font-size: large;">friendly</span>.</div>
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This park has DNR staff and <span style="font-size: large;">interns </span>that conduct educational <span style="font-size: large;">programs</span> during the summer months. We spent an hour <span style="font-size: large;">in </span>the <span style="font-size: large;">stream </span>cooling off from the afternoon heat and identifying water bugs that indicated the health of the stream.</div>
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In addition to learning about <span style="font-size: large;">waterbugs</span>, we attended sunset seminars on <span style="font-size: large;">lightening bugs </span>(did you know they are actually beetles?) and frogs and toads. Later in the summer we were able to identify a <span style="font-size: large;">banjo frog</span> we encountered while kayaking. Make the most of your trip and <span style="font-size: large;">visit </span>over the <a href="https://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2018/05/mn-history-tour.html" target="_blank">4th of July</a>, when neighboring Forestville has special events.<br />
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Also be sure to tour the <span style="font-size: large;">Mystery Cave </span>that this park is named after.</div>
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Did I mention it was hot? The stream that flows through the park goes through these underground <span style="font-size: large;">caves</span> and maintains a cool temperature. It was nice to dip our toes during the heat of the afternoon. We also decided to <span style="font-size: large;">sleep</span> without the rain fly to improve airflow. In addition to airflow we also gained an impressive view of the night <span style="font-size: large;">sky</span>.<br />
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When booking campsites <span style="font-size: large;">electric</span> always goes the fastest, so if you can go <span style="font-size: large;">off grid</span> you'll have better luck finding a camp sight. The bathrooms have power for a quick charge or air mattress blow up.<br />
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Our kids don't spend enough time <span style="font-size: large;">outside</span> so it took awhile to get rid of the I'm bored while camping. <span style="font-size: large;">Stick</span> <span style="font-size: large;">with it</span> though. I now see my kids playing/exploring something that they learned from one of the <span style="font-size: large;">many</span> rangers we've encountered in the state parks. <span style="font-size: large;">When</span> was the last time you fell asleep looking at the <span style="font-size: large;">stars</span>?<br />
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Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-87974962657150012682018-05-23T12:30:00.000-05:002018-06-07T20:45:47.678-05:00Tent Camping the Easy Way<div>
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I did <span style="font-size: large;">not</span> grow up <span style="font-size: large;">camping</span>. I was raised thinking that anything you can do camping, you can do <span style="font-size: large;">easier </span>at home. That statement is true, but the <span style="font-size: large;">view </span>out my windows at home is nothing compared to the views from a <span style="font-size: large;">campsite</span>!<br />
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I married an avid camper. The first 12 years of marriage I was able to <span style="font-size: large;">avoid </span>camping. He would take off to the Boundary Waters (BWCA) with friends for a week of portaging and no other human contact. He'd come home refreshed and if you look through <span style="font-size: large;">this </span>blog, you will see many of the projects I completed while he was away. Then we had <span style="font-size: large;">kids</span>, and inexpensive vacations became a priority.</div>
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Several summers ago we were <span style="font-size: large;">gifted </span>some money to spend doing something <span style="font-size: large;">fun</span> with the girls. We <span style="font-size: large;">invested</span> in camping equipment. </div>
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Hopefully, you can <span style="font-size: large;">learn </span>something from our mistakes. If you forget <span style="font-size: large;">everything</span> I say, please remember to <span style="font-size: large;">plan</span> ahead. You can find my packing list <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Bf3qN2GLCPAVrQ-yFEgP5bxDRtC6Was28mnG5ROfuHE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. It is <span style="font-size: large;">long</span>, don't let that scare you though. You can get by with lots <span style="font-size: large;">less</span>, we are going to attempt to float down the river on our <span style="font-size: large;">kayaks </span>and camp, and we will only be able to carry a fraction of those items!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We use this larger trailer when we bring our kayaks. You can see our totes in use though.</td></tr>
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On the list you'll notice that 1 have 3 <span style="font-size: large;">large </span>totes. We picked up 2 of <a href="http://www.radwell.com/Shop?source=GoogleShopping&IgnoreRedirect=true&ItemSingleId=43092070&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o10&scid=scplp43092070&sc_intid=43092070&gclid=CjwKCAjww6XXBRByEiwAM-ZUIB8uaNbbNYdoLp-J10nHz281uEFdlt0mlAZgKhl4YS5_LIYLj4-KdBoCPrcQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">these</a> and 1 of <a href="https://www.acetool.com/Dewalt-DWST38000-Tough-Chest-Mobile-Storage-p/dew-dwst38000.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjww6XXBRByEiwAM-ZUIBCrMG6bAp7En7OCyPAxBA0rRwy0TkWqqZLT9sgqsecynN48elmAORoCWAwQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">these</a> at Home Depot. We chose them because they fit really nicely on a cheap little <span style="font-size: large;">trailer </span>that we picked up for camping. They also have <span style="font-size: large;">wheels </span>making them easy to move into the house to reset for our next adventure. The best part though is that they have heavy duty clasps that can be locked. What <span style="font-size: large;">kind </span>of places do I camp that locking is needed? We like to hike, swim, bike etc leaving our campsite <span style="font-size: large;">unattended </span>for several hours, most thieves are just opportunistic. They also keep out <span style="font-size: large;">wildlife</span>. On one occasion I watched a raccoon <span style="font-size: large;">unsuccessfully </span>attempt to get in, he eventually gave up and got into the neighbors stuff instead.<br />
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The equipment tote is essentially my <span style="font-size: large;">portable </span>kitchen. I have dedicated camping utensils and equipment. This is the one item I would be lost with out. It reminds me of the <span style="font-size: large;">chuck wagon</span> in stories of the Old West. Those old timers understood that camping anywhere is significantly easier if all the kitchen stuff is together and <span style="font-size: large;">easy </span>to access.<br />
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I do a lot of meal <span style="font-size: large;">prep</span> at home before we go. Heat and serve items are always easier than anything that takes lots of dishes. Breakfast and dinner are eaten at a <span style="font-size: large;">leisurely </span>pace around the campfire. Lunch is usually on the run and just meat and cheese sandwiches from the <span style="font-size: large;">cooler</span>. I also pack plenty of <span style="font-size: large;">snacks</span> such as granola bars, veggies, and chips for when kids are hungry and the adults aren't.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tent </span>sizes can be confusing. The 4 of us and our dog started with a 6 man tent that we thought would be plenty big. As the girls grew we decided to <span style="font-size: large;">upgrade </span>to a 12 man. I know that sound excessive but we had reasons. The walls on the 6 man angled in sharply and air mattresses take up more <span style="font-size: large;">space </span>than just a person in a mummy bag. We've been caught in the <span style="font-size: large;">rain</span> and like to leave a wide margin around the edges so that we don't touch the sides allowing water to seep in. We have space for our 80 lb dog to have his own <span style="font-size: large;">dog </span>bed. We like to camp late into the fall when it's nice to have a space heater, and those require <span style="font-size: large;">clearance</span>. My husband and I are both 6'1" the straighter sides allow for more head room inside the tent. True, most of the time spent in the tent is sleeping, but being able to stand is still a <span style="font-size: large;">luxury </span>we prefer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the the entertainment we bring, cards, dice, camera with laminated scavenger hunt list. The scope is great for sighting animals, birds, and star gazing.</td></tr>
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These tips make camping enjoyable for <span style="font-size: large;">us</span>. If you have any tips please share as our <span style="font-size: large;">kids grow</span> and change our camping list needs to change too.<br />
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**Did any of you notice the bug spray hiding out in <span style="font-size: large;">every</span> photo? My husband rarely gets bitten, I am a mosquito magnet.<br />
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-56429234410057688792018-05-16T12:30:00.000-05:002018-06-07T20:45:10.206-05:00Make a Day of It!Living <span style="font-size: large;">near</span> the Twin Cities metro area gives us <span style="font-size: large;">loads</span> of options for amazing <span style="font-size: large;">parks</span>. There are year round adventure opportunities hosted in many of the parks. In addition to great classes that you can take through out the year, you can also just meet up with some <span style="font-size: large;">friends</span> and enjoy a <span style="font-size: large;">day outside</span>.<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hyland+Play+Area/@44.8248375,-93.3717508,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xba7e276aa9a79d9e!8m2!3d44.8248375!4d-93.3717508" target="_blank">Hyland Park </a>is informally known as <span style="font-size: large;">chutes and ladders</span>. Start your day here, and then when it gets <span style="font-size: large;">hot</span>, pack up and head over to the public beach $5 a carload.</div>
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We like to get to the park early to mid morning so that there are still open picnic tables in the <span style="font-size: large;">shade</span>. I pack a picnic lunch for <span style="font-size: large;">each</span> kid, that has plenty so they have a <span style="font-size: large;">snack</span> in the car on the way home.</div>
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Often the <span style="font-size: large;">good</span> playgrounds are near beaches so be sure to pack <span style="font-size: large;">suits, towels, and sunscreen </span>even if you don't intend on swimming. The pond at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Elm+Creek+Swimming+Pond/@45.1405295,-93.429599,15z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0xe918882e272cded5!2sElm+Creek+Park+Reserve!8m2!3d45.1382288!4d-93.4379675!3m4!1s0x0:0xd69eac91da8d6090!8m2!3d45.1442696!4d-93.4271201" target="_blank">Elm Creek</a> is <span style="font-size: large;">chlorinated</span> and there are lifeguards on duty expect to pay about $10 a person. Season passes are available.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DqZ27K3MKhoBw8NQQNg1jB1211PQZa3UgaXCIA08r4_7nLjmR4O9KzKI3IaLW05K_CtgTaBfTqzjWJVnqV3jdLsjQeA56ZM0803f4_lWTNjPzKPHgeg5ry8m_P1Z6_1wA8tEQXKOxoKv/s1600/11951638_10206389716556801_838208533459370535_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DqZ27K3MKhoBw8NQQNg1jB1211PQZa3UgaXCIA08r4_7nLjmR4O9KzKI3IaLW05K_CtgTaBfTqzjWJVnqV3jdLsjQeA56ZM0803f4_lWTNjPzKPHgeg5ry8m_P1Z6_1wA8tEQXKOxoKv/s320/11951638_10206389716556801_838208533459370535_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lakeside+Park/@45.3646174,-93.8060661,12z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sbig+lake+beach!3m4!1s0x0:0xb4f287368704004e!8m2!3d45.3346354!4d-93.7575388" target="_blank">Big Lake Beach</a> is right of Highway 10 and has a nearby playground as well as <span style="font-size: large;">shaded</span> picnic area and <span style="font-size: large;">boat</span> launch. Expect to pay $5 a carload $10 if you have a trailer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzFyw-TNccv2W25u_BSlaMZmQN7ehrl-o0cJ-KKwoTNM-sFB1jKxbLCu0wv-tyBSyBL5IOAyF5LR5FCZOO04fOyFuQktX6hwE6-18FaG0X6rvKfRL4RZge9PzfJw7JqUksWY3d6B8g4fw/s1600/13340069_10208359894730024_6154628752960736636_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzFyw-TNccv2W25u_BSlaMZmQN7ehrl-o0cJ-KKwoTNM-sFB1jKxbLCu0wv-tyBSyBL5IOAyF5LR5FCZOO04fOyFuQktX6hwE6-18FaG0X6rvKfRL4RZge9PzfJw7JqUksWY3d6B8g4fw/s320/13340069_10208359894730024_6154628752960736636_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Orono+Park/@45.3162335,-93.60367,13z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1slake+near+Orono+Park,+Gary+Street,+Elk+River,+MN!3m4!1s0x52b368cf5ae022ef:0xcd7b8b80e4d7b4a!8m2!3d45.3079908!4d-93.598913" target="_blank">Lake Orono</a> in Elk River has a newly <span style="font-size: large;">refurbished</span> play area. There is a beach but the water quality isn't always great so we usually stop here when it's too cool to swim.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE1zl0ylopQl-hyr1_9zr4t4MYay-n9DdWX3ragAZuYCYLWLZ6cQdtkGM6ILVShGoKBrTbgH9geR342stgf6b8FHPr77GQBaVUbdfxGdop-MwUGutdhlnmsB481RysvM0cWwTIpYQdNes/s1600/13403243_10208359898410116_1524093073136112525_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE1zl0ylopQl-hyr1_9zr4t4MYay-n9DdWX3ragAZuYCYLWLZ6cQdtkGM6ILVShGoKBrTbgH9geR342stgf6b8FHPr77GQBaVUbdfxGdop-MwUGutdhlnmsB481RysvM0cWwTIpYQdNes/s320/13403243_10208359898410116_1524093073136112525_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Central+Park+of+Maple+Grove/@45.1020814,-93.4342414,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b338046aaaaaab:0x1ed9b8f8bf64ed3a!8m2!3d45.1020814!4d-93.4320527" target="_blank">Central Park</a> in Maple Grove is state of the art, but usually pretty <span style="font-size: large;">busy</span>. If it's hot, you'll be glad you have the kids swim gear so they can play on the <span style="font-size: large;">splash pad.</span></div>
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The <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lake+Rebecca+Park+Reserve/@44.7808171,-93.9914875,9z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sbig+woods+park!3m4!1s0x0:0xeb285d2dd19a62ed!8m2!3d45.0718234!4d-93.7569809" target="_blank">Big Woods</a> in Lake Rebecca Park Reserve is <span style="font-size: large;">pretty</span>, but my kids didn't last long on the play equipment. Luckily we had swim gear. A quick walk down the <span style="font-size: large;">path</span> is a quiet beach with <span style="font-size: large;">huge</span> umbrellas to shade us from the afternoon sun.</div>
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Some of the <span style="font-size: large;">other</span> parks that we <span style="font-size: large;">haven't</span> visited yet that are on our playground/beach list for <span style="font-size: large;">this</span> summer are: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Weaver+Lake+Beach+and+Park/@45.105999,-93.4981757,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b3463cdefa43ff:0x720bf5edcf897b8e!8m2!3d45.105999!4d-93.495987" target="_blank">Weaver Lake Beach and Park</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/French+Regional+Park/@45.0213768,-93.4380555,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x52b34a02771d61b5:0xe577ca2f16c72253!8m2!3d45.0213768!4d-93.4358668" target="_blank">French Regional Park</a> that is undergoing extensive renovations and scheduled to<span style="font-size: large;"> re-open</span> July 2018</div>
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Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-56430388900032044452018-05-09T00:30:00.000-05:002018-06-07T20:44:55.732-05:00Local Park Bike Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi6r0jx9zdSF_wF3oJB-5xQpfCqVptN3NsemULY1GbCwAsN3fe0DyXvsFyosWYjTWPhlsUMvYjaUf2HZ8qt7qNbNhZmMAeHvk0lHMssazIpRIExnVZPGFLubHdQ3qUnqlqaR-pxAQ5T8Q/s1600/1614118_10205779562823339_6385046365887876950_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1001" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi6r0jx9zdSF_wF3oJB-5xQpfCqVptN3NsemULY1GbCwAsN3fe0DyXvsFyosWYjTWPhlsUMvYjaUf2HZ8qt7qNbNhZmMAeHvk0lHMssazIpRIExnVZPGFLubHdQ3qUnqlqaR-pxAQ5T8Q/s320/1614118_10205779562823339_6385046365887876950_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The <span style="font-size: large;">snow</span> has finally <span style="font-size: large;">melted</span>, flowers are starting to grow, and school is almost out. What are you going to do with your <span style="font-size: large;">kids</span>? </div>
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Living in MN it is important to get <span style="font-size: large;">outside</span> as much as possible when it's nice out. I'm also not a big fan of screens so getting <span style="font-size: large;">away</span> from home so they can't ask and I can't <span style="font-size: large;">cave</span> helps. I also like to pick a <span style="font-size: large;">theme</span> that helps me to stay focused. You can see from the images in this post that a few years ago our theme was <span style="font-size: large;">Park Tour</span>, we visited as many as <span style="font-size: large;">possible</span>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBa4PfgrKBUxRS0tMiscM5NRSKNSF-z9sfk9tpQltqcchrrxClxfMpmu_hpRc8BPQqBS-9pBzaRNc_7H7xPtCky9kcS4Trso9CX8YGowpcXOlxsjURs9HpuCOFDYVHRGxRxGnycwNoA2oY/s1600/rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBa4PfgrKBUxRS0tMiscM5NRSKNSF-z9sfk9tpQltqcchrrxClxfMpmu_hpRc8BPQqBS-9pBzaRNc_7H7xPtCky9kcS4Trso9CX8YGowpcXOlxsjURs9HpuCOFDYVHRGxRxGnycwNoA2oY/s320/rainbow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As an added benefit we <span style="font-size: large;">biked</span> to all the local ones. I live in a <span style="font-size: large;">small</span> town (pop.4500) yet we were still able to find several in town, including the playgrounds of local <span style="font-size: large;">schools</span>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLn6TH1UKFQNMIKdLO1i96o9c7R38sI4NawGoQq9-PdzyKOwroVHvI8drFh38wj5MPP0RrTSUWcDiffenaA4DIhUlq4xlW05p4tW1FTu5u_1Wa7eiOlbmSaDFE9CapMPdyDjn1L4RKs-x/s1600/11402263_10205863811529504_3052441447511470179_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLn6TH1UKFQNMIKdLO1i96o9c7R38sI4NawGoQq9-PdzyKOwroVHvI8drFh38wj5MPP0RrTSUWcDiffenaA4DIhUlq4xlW05p4tW1FTu5u_1Wa7eiOlbmSaDFE9CapMPdyDjn1L4RKs-x/s320/11402263_10205863811529504_3052441447511470179_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preparation</span> is key. I outfitted our bikes with baskets, invested in water bottles, and carried a small first aid kit that included <span style="font-size: large;">hand sanitizer</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">sunscreen</span>. We often had extra kids with us which made it <span style="font-size: large;">fun</span>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZJyZdyjdGgEYl_jwsqLmEfyZLTGRLgIpoyRatJtCstX9dwYJYImF70B0Xta4O5-cclkYz1ptoU5hI6fN2sDcAMHqVy14wxlP-7-518zltUtixkf3b2KJ9Od_n34640qsbM1ktbGGBEw0/s1600/PicsArt_05-02-10.52.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZJyZdyjdGgEYl_jwsqLmEfyZLTGRLgIpoyRatJtCstX9dwYJYImF70B0Xta4O5-cclkYz1ptoU5hI6fN2sDcAMHqVy14wxlP-7-518zltUtixkf3b2KJ9Od_n34640qsbM1ktbGGBEw0/s320/PicsArt_05-02-10.52.09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is a good opportunity to teach <span style="font-size: large;">road safety</span> too! I had every kid <span style="font-size: large;">walk</span> their bike across busy roads at a crosswalk, as well as use <span style="font-size: large;">hand signals.</span> </div>
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There were added <span style="font-size: large;">perks</span> too. Because all the kids had their helmets on we got <span style="font-size: large;">stopped</span> by the Princeton <span style="font-size: large;">Police</span> and were given free <span style="font-size: large;">DQ</span> ice cream cone certificates. Being <span style="font-size: large;">out</span> and about so much also made us aware of the various customer appreciation and <span style="font-size: large;">kid</span> friendly activities that were happening all over <span style="font-size: large;">town</span> all summer long.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH742ZkS01GtqMfPXSLu-kFz8E-6W4SCD1mQW1A-8BEYTH3d1qqAS7d1v6JdZur3cDMpx1yMP7pGuimio65dj8J2ukBzbCLhfxkXIU3ykXfW0cEvXBDM9MzeoaTkjfz5Ld55GQui54AYd/s1600/1913356_10205865831019990_980532518282126407_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaH742ZkS01GtqMfPXSLu-kFz8E-6W4SCD1mQW1A-8BEYTH3d1qqAS7d1v6JdZur3cDMpx1yMP7pGuimio65dj8J2ukBzbCLhfxkXIU3ykXfW0cEvXBDM9MzeoaTkjfz5Ld55GQui54AYd/s320/1913356_10205865831019990_980532518282126407_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our School District also offers <span style="font-size: large;">free</span> lunch during the summer for kids under 18, so we wouldn't even need to pack a picnic <span style="font-size: large;">lunch</span>! </div>
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So grab your <span style="font-size: large;">bike</span> or at the very least phone a friend and head out to a <span style="font-size: large;">park</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fg6-DPbybaork4OMkIZdAA8rWW2AVSOW2wZ422EC98by0JrTxbDnok6E6zdj7GckShEFforfmFzD1w0y5I-XAbsMZSelwaxFJT1zrQrNKdQej6HwxA0iR_2wGpMnOfQRqGdGicxkx1gU/s1600/splash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fg6-DPbybaork4OMkIZdAA8rWW2AVSOW2wZ422EC98by0JrTxbDnok6E6zdj7GckShEFforfmFzD1w0y5I-XAbsMZSelwaxFJT1zrQrNKdQej6HwxA0iR_2wGpMnOfQRqGdGicxkx1gU/s320/splash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-5924576549616670472018-05-02T00:30:00.000-05:002018-06-07T20:44:41.012-05:00Day Trip with a Library Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every</span> town I've ever lived in has had a <a href="https://ecrlib.org/" target="_blank">library</a> with a<span style="font-size: large;"> summer reading program.</span> Your family should participate. If expanding your kids minds with fantastic <span style="font-size: large;">classic literature</span> isn't enough of a reason, keep reading.</div>
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For <span style="font-size: large;">free</span> at our library we have participated in events with puppeteers, zoo <span style="font-size: large;">animals</span>, movies, cake decorating, building fairy gardens, story time with the author, pizza parties, comedy duos, Voyageur era role players, and even a <span style="font-size: large;">Grammy</span> award winning musical act!<br />
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Oh, and did I mention a <span style="font-size: large;">huge</span> collection of books, magazines, newspapers, and movies? You can even <span style="font-size: large;">download</span> books directly to your kindle, nook, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other<span style="font-size: large;"> e-reader</span>.<br />
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If <span style="font-size: large;">you</span> haven't stepped into a library since <span style="font-size: large;">graduating</span>. This is your summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe-QIvPyug9uHoDZCOiF4dVvNczlOt_FCyAN9DkJAhwjQRHIH308KXRZ59_sFUaQXRI9lkicJkoOszl9x8_zjdEeKQqoYN9ME6d8wfdU-9y3GB8Nx_kONIg2kEg_6uYBF-OtXO-IOLRYy/s1600/20160310_130036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe-QIvPyug9uHoDZCOiF4dVvNczlOt_FCyAN9DkJAhwjQRHIH308KXRZ59_sFUaQXRI9lkicJkoOszl9x8_zjdEeKQqoYN9ME6d8wfdU-9y3GB8Nx_kONIg2kEg_6uYBF-OtXO-IOLRYy/s200/20160310_130036.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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One of my kids' <span style="font-size: large;">favorite</span> was checking out a small kit that included <span style="font-size: large;">this</span> stuffed animal, and a <span style="font-size: large;">scrapbook</span> for the reader to add to. My kids had a blast taking pictures of this little guy in Duluth and <span style="font-size: large;">designing</span> a scrapbook page.<br />
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On another occasion we took him to the <span style="font-size: large;">Lego</span> store at the Mall of America and for dinner at Rainforest Cafe.</div>
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Where are <span style="font-size: large;">you</span> going this <span style="font-size: large;">weekend</span>? Do your kids needs something to focus their <span style="font-size: large;">attention</span> on? Stop by the <a href="https://ecrlib.org/" target="_blank">Library</a>, look around and be sure to check the <span style="font-size: large;">bulletin board</span> in the lobby to see what else is happening around town.</div>
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** I may get paid for links that you click on this blog. Any posts that include free or discounted services or product in exchange for reviewing are plainly stated within the post.</div>
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Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-50934711761713952212016-02-01T08:00:00.000-06:002016-02-01T20:30:10.457-06:00Grown up Furniture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've officially been an adult longer than not. I've been watching home improvement shows since BEFORE HGTV existed. <i>Think Changing Rooms BBC.</i> All those years and home improvement projects, and my bed still sits on a college level metal frame.</div>
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I've used <a href="http://www.ana-white.com/2009/10/farmhouse-bed-save-158100_7467.html">Anna White's</a> plans before, I have many of my own tools, I even have my very own <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2013/10/safety-goggles-as-art.html">collection</a> of safety goggles. <i>Norm from the New Yankee workshop would be proud. </i>The weather is nice, my girls are old enough to entertain themselves in the yard. It is time.</div>
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I assembled all the wood. I went with basic inexpensive pine, in hindsight I would have spent a little more and gotten a nicer, harder wood, or even used some salvaged wood, but it is what it is. </div>
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I borrowed a drill press from a friend to make sure that my holes were perfect 90 degree angle.</div>
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It was very easy to put together and it turned out very pretty, and heavy. </div>
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Then it went bad. I wanted a darker look and went with a gel stain. Next time I take it apart I might attempt to change the finish though as It didn't turn out exactly how I had hoped, But since My work space isn't heated. Winter put a stop to finishing, so I installed it as is.</div>
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Installation of the headboard was a breeze, I simple drilled holes that lined up with the holes on the bed frame and attached with bolts, washers, and nuts. My cheapo bed frame did not have holes for the foot board. B<i>ummer again</i>. I could used 1X6's to make rails that run along the side of the bed and attach the foot board. By now I wasn't loving the finish though and didn't relish the idea of buying wood to finish in a way I didn't like so that it would match. I was also having some issues with the softness of the wood. So I did what anyone would do I asked my friends at Google for some ideas.</div>
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That brought me to Amazon and something called a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FSHR2RO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FSHR2RO&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwcindyrid07-20&linkId=MHOZFERYJELRUUZX" rel="nofollow">Bed Claw</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=wwwcindyrid07-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00FSHR2RO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
which is just an extender that attaches to the end of a metal frame and provides a plate to attach foot boards too. I wasn't too excited at spending another $30 toward this project. <i>Did I tell I don't like the finish?</i> But decided to go for it any way. It was easy to use and in about an hour the foot board was attached, and I officially had a REAL bed.</div>
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-46247811746300999802016-01-25T08:00:00.000-06:002016-01-25T08:00:14.610-06:00Goop and Slime<br />
At Wednesday night church I got the opportunity to show 2nd Graders how to make a variety of fun sensory muck. We made some pretty good messes and all in all had a fun time.<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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The recipes include Bible verses, because I like to help the kids have word pictures and sensory recognition to help them to be able to remember verses easier.<br />
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Click here for printable recipes to send home with your own group of kids.</div>
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Slime<br />https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_R0SwkUcuByacFqMhfCCFonDhjx0waPlM1GSbgmpZL0<br />
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Floam<br />https://drive.google.com/open?id=14JehL68qkkqSQV-og08VZHKUT838CaUUV_vwxYRj6is<br />
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Moon Sand <br />https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xMo9Tl1gkbeDSufljTYHviVIqjM-oPoTyPm0fjsgxzs/edit?usp=sharing<br />
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Play dough<br />https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p_9IevkIBiTdAtiviH8LWyU5LnQAcr47VADkrfEyT5s/edit?usp=sharing<br />
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Sand Foam<br />https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zA2SDi2ao6-g4e0uaNOY7mzx71HXrrbEPd_nSH4kYto/edit?usp=sharing<br />
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Sidewalk Chalk<br />https://drive.google.com/open?id=1A3fyDgFPcFBEyLGYdFWqSMTvDS5Z3QKLZ4EbISwpumo<br />
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Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-32739712989450574132016-01-18T08:00:00.000-06:002016-01-18T08:00:19.525-06:00Chai- Tea for Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">***The product you see in the photo was given to me in exchange for my honest evaluation. All opinions expressed are my own.***</span></div>
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I have lots of recipes for Hot drinks, some I've even <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2012/11/pictures-pumpkins-and-my-peeps.html">shared </a>with you, I've drank <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2014_12_01_archive.html">premixes</a>, and even had a <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2015/09/mmmm-coffee.html">Keurig </a>for a bit, and just this week got free Caribou Coffee for a year!<br />
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It's Minnesota though, and winters are long and <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2013/10/fiery-furnace.html">sometimes </a>pretty rough. which means I have plenty of opportunities every year to drink all of my favorites and try new ones! This time I get to try Tazo, Chai Filterbag Tea or Latte Concentrate.</div>
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Several years ago I got to stay at a Resort where the served Tazo, Wild Sweet Orange Herbal Tea in the workout room. I've been a fan of Tazo since. So my expectations where high.<br />
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Thankfully I was sent samples of the prepackaged tea for steeping in hot water as I could only find the Classic Latte in my local store.<br />
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All of the flavors where yummy. the Classic Latte was my favorite, but a much higher calorie choice. Overall it was a delicious sample!<br />
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You too can <a href="http://h5.sml360.com/-/3de5">sign up </a>to receive free Samples for you to try and share from <a href="http://h5.sml360.com/-/3de5">Smiley360</a>!</div>
Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-86944026955884109952016-01-10T15:04:00.003-06:002016-01-10T15:05:40.785-06:00Partial Solar Eclipse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, so this is a pretty old photo. Is is from October 2014! I started this post and then never got back around to finishing it. I've been on a personal mission since Thanksgiving though, (Thanksgiving resolutions are a thing right?) My mom and sister decided to come for the weekend to visit. Those of you who've been following me for a while may remember how <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2012/07/cleaning-day-3.html">terrible</a> my family views my house keeping skills. I have gotten <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2012/08/30-days-to-clean-still-at-it.html">significantly</a> <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2012/07/30-days-to-clean-house.html">better</a>, but I still panic a little anytime they come to visit. Long story short, I made a decision to complete things when I see them instead of setting it aside for later. So here we are January 10th 2016 and I am sharing this photo.</div>
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<i>Disclosure - This has been a long, often frustrating assignment. For example I walk down the stairs to get a can of beans to cook with, see a toy to put away, then grab the dirty clothes and put them by the washing machine, wait better start a load, need to fold and put that other one away, these drawers need to be reorganized, this needs to go to the garbage, I need to empty all of the garbage cans, "mom, I'm hungry", doh, that can of beans are still in the basement! After several months I still have moments like that, and my to do list never seems to go away, but so many things have been crossed off, and I've even started to notice things that are done more than not done!</i></div>
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You can see the top portion of the sun is blocked by the moon. This was a neat thing to share with my kids. When I was a kid I didn't always enjoy science class, as an adult science things cause me to geek out a bit. We saw several of the blood moons in 2014/2015, the meteor shower in August, and chose Astronomy for our curriculum this year. I love seeing my kids searching for planets and constellations in the night sky. They've asked some great questions, notice moon fazes, and even know that Thermal Nuclear Fusion describes the explosions on the sun's surface.</div>
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The day of this Solar Eclipse, our local girls soccer team played their first ever game at the State Championship Tournament. We went directly from cheering them as they left town forever changing the history of our little town, to witnessing another rare sight.</div>
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All that meandering to say. Be different, find your passion, read, learn, try new things, practice! </div>
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<i>Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again </i><i>and expecting different results. </i><i>-Albert Einstein</i></div>
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<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-59039777742741155072015-11-25T22:37:00.002-06:002015-11-25T22:37:40.729-06:00Here's My Two Cents<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHXIP4U8BSK-MpncK8xcEYNXUGvK4ReSmBf2ojezG7m3vkdiHn3BF87o1wTq8YaXq3h9BpdZqT6Cxk4Tt8bictcDeUaSwie8PED79246kqqt5wGzXgD5akQyGJ3fUqZyUQc_tBsfdErhB/s1600/IMG_20151124_105655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHXIP4U8BSK-MpncK8xcEYNXUGvK4ReSmBf2ojezG7m3vkdiHn3BF87o1wTq8YaXq3h9BpdZqT6Cxk4Tt8bictcDeUaSwie8PED79246kqqt5wGzXgD5akQyGJ3fUqZyUQc_tBsfdErhB/s320/IMG_20151124_105655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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**Sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.</div>
I don't know about your, but <span style="font-size: large;">every </span>year I get <span style="font-size: large;">older</span>. As I get older some of my parts don't work as well as they used too. One of the <span style="font-size: large;">most </span>noticeable is my <span style="font-size: large;">skin</span>. No matter how hard I try to get enough <span style="font-size: large;">water</span>, it seems as though it is always <span style="font-size: large;">dry</span>.</div>
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So when I got an email asking me to try <i>Nature's Bounty Optimal Solutions Hair, Skin, and Nails</i> I was <span style="font-size: large;">excited </span>to try it. (As a member of S<a href="http://h5.sml360.com/-/1e6al">miley360</a> I am often given the chance to try new products. I usually get a free full sized sample and then various sized samples and coupons to <span style="font-size: large;">share </span>with my friends.)<br />
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I've been taking the <span style="font-size: large;">strawberry flavored</span> gummies for a couple of weeks now. My <span style="font-size: large;">nails </span>do seem <span style="font-size: large;">stronger</span>, I haven't noticed any change in my hair, and my <span style="font-size: large;">skin </span>actually feels <span style="font-size: large;">dryer</span>! I do not attribute all of it to the supplement. I do live in MN and the weather has just changed to cold and <span style="font-size: large;">that </span>always dries me out. I started using an <span style="font-size: large;">apple cider vinegar</span> rinse for my hair this summer when we were swimming lots and my hair has been all around better, since then. My fingernails though, do seem stronger and are breaking less, even with the cold.</div>
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My final opinion is that it's <span style="font-size: large;">ok</span>. If I really cared about the strength of my nails, I would probably purchase and use it in the future. However, I am more concerned about my skin. Since starting I have noticed dry spots, that I had <span style="font-size: large;">never </span>had before. Again I don't know if it's just a combination of age and weather, I do not believe the supplement caused it, only that it definitely<span style="font-size: large;"> did not prevent/treat it. </span>Even my go to, amazing, hand cream is struggling to get a spot on my pinkie finger that is rubbing my wedding ring.<br />
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**After some research I took off my ring for a couple of weeks to let my pinkie heal. I also gave my ring a good cleaning to remove any irritants. It all seems to be good again.</div>
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I do however strongly recommend the use of Apple Cider Vinegar. It's cheap ($2 a gallon) and works on a<a href="http://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/jenessa/apple-cider-vinegar-uses"> plethora</a> of things.</div>
Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-85486869848076004182015-09-15T08:00:00.000-05:002015-09-15T08:00:07.972-05:00Curb Appeal<br />
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The hardest part about buying an older home is the constant need for repairs. Every year we tackle another big project, this year it is time for the siding.</div>
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Here is what we started with:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-Hj5JEfeXIXnqoTVkInsD0R4jsFlhW9PmXRfNhkdNtVqvTzAZnvGqUWxMMthCM6G3G_HfnKzi4Z44lm8sE6bCZC6AXP4yq_47JO-h8aTca6egGS-v5wUszZvE1mECdXSwTi1YrDZXWzl/s1600/20140929_161910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-Hj5JEfeXIXnqoTVkInsD0R4jsFlhW9PmXRfNhkdNtVqvTzAZnvGqUWxMMthCM6G3G_HfnKzi4Z44lm8sE6bCZC6AXP4yq_47JO-h8aTca6egGS-v5wUszZvE1mECdXSwTi1YrDZXWzl/s1600/20140929_161910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Front</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRPGCQzcYYnjqMiixXhE-nwTJt7wsANi8dDFIjZYNJzh7ctyGtBqGFYVGBkaCs12E70cpAlXnTe4hyphenhypheno0Yrm_jHtCesA2eAD7eVg5MkY2_U3m9Nq8gQqemZ-MyzVCw7xcqO_YsSw5yBhL8/s1600/20140929_161850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRPGCQzcYYnjqMiixXhE-nwTJt7wsANi8dDFIjZYNJzh7ctyGtBqGFYVGBkaCs12E70cpAlXnTe4hyphenhypheno0Yrm_jHtCesA2eAD7eVg5MkY2_U3m9Nq8gQqemZ-MyzVCw7xcqO_YsSw5yBhL8/s1600/20140929_161850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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South</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiZr7nIuwhdl1sgcndDKEvZumhhQCPq_b1sbyLMStJ-3RnxkItkzBWuwY1eqIEUVgUeRaajxtBW5CKo1-VLLXTk4YB9RtlGG73E_GuYVntfFkmKlSWFBBVE396Lo8hklqV9b3EKTZm5lZ/s1600/20140929_145147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiZr7nIuwhdl1sgcndDKEvZumhhQCPq_b1sbyLMStJ-3RnxkItkzBWuwY1eqIEUVgUeRaajxtBW5CKo1-VLLXTk4YB9RtlGG73E_GuYVntfFkmKlSWFBBVE396Lo8hklqV9b3EKTZm5lZ/s1600/20140929_145147.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've been saving up for this project. We knew that with all of the funky angles we didn't want to tackle this as a DIY. As with any home improvement project though there was a snowball effect. I was glad to have the energy to tackle those other things since Brad and his guys took over the rest.<br />
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Notice in the front we did a little redesign on the front. Opening up the porch brings more light in, I also really like the vertical lines over the port hole window. The other port hole window was changed to square and we finally can open it for some cross ventilation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-0ZqbDVao5AjT6x5XY_cguhqBhGDN9ve43GIgdwXJhgaEXQU03hro1svNzre4JJILkNelFA4L8E2nZksF-O0sfYUVECdKIStjWTQ17KBbcqdoUOXrFCfAGEVZK3YQ_78Gn8j9q1DgSHN/s1600/20150602_143910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-0ZqbDVao5AjT6x5XY_cguhqBhGDN9ve43GIgdwXJhgaEXQU03hro1svNzre4JJILkNelFA4L8E2nZksF-O0sfYUVECdKIStjWTQ17KBbcqdoUOXrFCfAGEVZK3YQ_78Gn8j9q1DgSHN/s320/20150602_143910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The snowball projects out front:</div>
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<strike>Update Light fixture</strike></div>
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<strike>Paint porch trim</strike></div>
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<strike>New house numbers</strike></div>
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Match the window treatments in the left window to the right</div>
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Paint the blue foundation to match the red/brown upper siding</div>
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<strike>Trim the lower branches on the trees so you can see the improvement</strike></div>
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<strike>Weed and mulch planting bed in front of fence</strike></div>
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<strike>Plant shrubs by the house</strike></div>
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You can see I've finished a few of them, I still have a couple of those projects start.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm8xxuTw4YFYmofZ4Uo4GKRovFzew9Tc8vlwUKqGa8uAGczdgn1RfiuTziiM4A4vgCNSolE7oz2JA2boqFDNzhyi81wrNcwGK5gxd0w-4fiVHyt59J7lD0LvuJi9a3xjwj7sQhOHpqAb5/s1600/20150602_143705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm8xxuTw4YFYmofZ4Uo4GKRovFzew9Tc8vlwUKqGa8uAGczdgn1RfiuTziiM4A4vgCNSolE7oz2JA2boqFDNzhyi81wrNcwGK5gxd0w-4fiVHyt59J7lD0LvuJi9a3xjwj7sQhOHpqAb5/s320/20150602_143705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the back I had a few pop up too:</div>
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<strike>Update Light Fixture</strike></div>
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<strike>Update the woodshed</strike></div>
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<strike>Replace gutters</strike></div>
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Paint blue foundation to match the red/brown upper siding</div>
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<strike>Trim the over grown</strike> hedges by the patio (Only half finished)</div>
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The wood shed was a lot of work, so here is a close up so you can admire my handy work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMsp5Pkg8rglK8-o-c53AAlXy09QqQO6bYnBPujqh4iZZOHw8rMhUX1_hEecwqUxC6Hr_JQ20VrQ3EnwVU6eA10GsYezY_OdiPWD2mKXp9I21dNlGl341XWNNbVyc80U4NwAiedzHvRX0/s1600/woodrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMsp5Pkg8rglK8-o-c53AAlXy09QqQO6bYnBPujqh4iZZOHw8rMhUX1_hEecwqUxC6Hr_JQ20VrQ3EnwVU6eA10GsYezY_OdiPWD2mKXp9I21dNlGl341XWNNbVyc80U4NwAiedzHvRX0/s320/woodrack.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Here is the before, see how much it needed to be finished:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF80jytoSNMbedpyD22C0a3qk9lCCP1aNN4wroFUbVU7NnH9xI_eZr-c8VyRn_f6_jvMbf56ZwWq_AsgK9BIsnchPwR0o7XXx7ftrk_R7KildsRhJSaES4hWGLkRTQE2YFPjQZ7bNcJTz3/s1600/outside1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF80jytoSNMbedpyD22C0a3qk9lCCP1aNN4wroFUbVU7NnH9xI_eZr-c8VyRn_f6_jvMbf56ZwWq_AsgK9BIsnchPwR0o7XXx7ftrk_R7KildsRhJSaES4hWGLkRTQE2YFPjQZ7bNcJTz3/s320/outside1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also picked up new <a href="http://www.menards.com/main/wall-lights/patriot-lighting-estero-oil-rubbed-bronze-9-1-light-outdoor-wall-light/p-2383723-c-7545.htm?tid=1388658636669494758">matching lights</a> for the garage, that I have yet to install.<br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-22824374745899241122015-09-08T08:00:00.000-05:002015-09-08T08:00:09.416-05:00Cracked Up!<em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 29.25px;">This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3W70L4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N3W70L4&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwcindyrid07-20&linkId=KAF6ABPWF7JTFTIS">O'Keefe Working Hands</a> for <a href="http://h5.sml360.com/-/mbwr">Smiley360 </a>. All opinions are 100% mine.</em><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 29.25px;">I bought my first container of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3W70L4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N3W70L4&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwcindyrid07-20&linkId=KAF6ABPWF7JTFTIS">O'Keefe Working Hands</a><span id="goog_1885156201"></span><span id="goog_1885156202"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> earlier this winter when I got my second fissure of the year in early November! I was desperate to not be in pain all winter. I'd seen it at the local hardware store, but thought it seemed like a lot of money for such a small can. Desperation has a way of changing perspective. The pain had subsided by the end of the first day, with in the week the fissure was well on its way to healing. Yeah!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 29.25px;">Fast forward to the end of December and I am contacted by <a href="http://h5.sml360.com/-/mbwr">Smiley360</a> inquiring if I would like to recieve a <a href="http://h5.sml360.com/-/mbwr">free</a> sample of </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 29.25px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3W70L4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N3W70L4&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwcindyrid07-20&linkId=KAF6ABPWF7JTFTIS">O'Keefe Working Hands</a>? Of course! All I had to do was take some pictures and share my honest opinion. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNZOM3_3fP8b05vKzkdcCvsS5eLOe5JeoYlvFbrVkDahkD4tCfMAR1P5e6MDhAxVqoArYDbFXvdvzw1D2t8Qc-bXg2yuQ4pGvJqdxHrKj_D2KvFabZHyQfmVzd81oOXusDQwYnzDuqkJP/s1600/51F9OPbT+gL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNZOM3_3fP8b05vKzkdcCvsS5eLOe5JeoYlvFbrVkDahkD4tCfMAR1P5e6MDhAxVqoArYDbFXvdvzw1D2t8Qc-bXg2yuQ4pGvJqdxHrKj_D2KvFabZHyQfmVzd81oOXusDQwYnzDuqkJP/s1600/51F9OPbT+gL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 29.25px;">My problem came when they asked for before and after photos. Being an enthusiastic user of the product my before will be the same as the after. Then my friends came to the rescue. They wanted to know if it worked on feet. Lucky for me (?) My feet get fissures too, but I hadn't tried <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3W70L4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N3W70L4&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwcindyrid07-20&linkId=KAF6ABPWF7JTFTIS">O'Keefe </a>on them yet. I am not a foot person so fair warning, if you don't like get scroll no more! </span><br />
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One week later. I still have a ways to go, but much better!<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 29.25px;">O'Keefe makes a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3W70L4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N3W70L4&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwcindyrid07-20&linkId=KAF6ABPWF7JTFTIS">foot cream</a> too, but the ingredients list looks the same. Regardless this would be deemed an off label use.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 29.25px;">***This summer I got a fissure when sandals dried my feet out. Overnight the pain was gone!</span></span>Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-83258533787928583492015-09-04T08:00:00.000-05:002015-09-04T08:00:06.584-05:00The Next Chapter.Today marks the start of a new school year. This year that looks different for us. My Vet and I have always been proponents of homeschooling, now it's our turn to take the plunge.<br />
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Don't worry this blog is still going to focus on homemaking skills. Although, I might toss in learning projects here and there. (All that work/creativity needs to be immortalized somewhere right?) The main focus will continue to be cultivating a home life you and your family love to live.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RhvQ5UOnyzpC4ou1VfT-j2pKzlYqRnQwE9TpBdXWx6HVBAUXL4GZFnWUmLJuwBN6GOComHl2Zu_ZaxCgTkmT7IB98mjGkvJO-6cnVUZqmimOjV4wXie7nstMwwKo3j_aiRVqVy4FQ1oQ/s1600/DSC06510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RhvQ5UOnyzpC4ou1VfT-j2pKzlYqRnQwE9TpBdXWx6HVBAUXL4GZFnWUmLJuwBN6GOComHl2Zu_ZaxCgTkmT7IB98mjGkvJO-6cnVUZqmimOjV4wXie7nstMwwKo3j_aiRVqVy4FQ1oQ/s320/DSC06510.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Both are before this update)</td></tr>
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Creating a separate space was important to me. I went pretty girly with their <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2012/09/reading-nook.html">book nook</a>, but this space would need to double as my office, and I need some serenity.</div>
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A simple modification to my office, turned complicated by a leak in the roof. The leak was repaired when we re-sided earlier this summer, that still left a hole in the ceiling and some patchwork to do.</div>
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Have you ever tried to patch a hole in a textured ceiling? Did you know how much I <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2012/03/popcorn-belongs-in-mouths-not-ceilings.html">detest</a> popcorn ceilings? Several weeks after removing the furniture, the ceiling was given a crisp, white, smooth finish; the walls were repainted in almost the original shade of soothing beige; layers of drywall dust were cleaned up and it was time to furnish.<br />
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Let's step back a minute. "Removing furniture" is a bit misleading. You see I actually spent 2 months <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2013/06/garage-sale-tips.html">purging</a>, re-purging, and re-re-purging. Lots of completely full garbage cans, recycle cans, and many trips to the thrift store to free up some much needed space. I didn't want to ruin it all by buying loads of new stuff to refill it back up. </div>
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This is the same view as above, minus loads of stuff! </div>
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Yes there was a window there!</div>
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Here is the total of what I purchased:</div>
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Drywall mud (Everything else I needed to patch I already had!) $18</div>
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Paint (1 gallon for walls, already had primer, white and brushes/rollers) $18</div>
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<a href="http://amzn.to/1PBoHus">Map of the world</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/1JB3bWJ">frame</a> $27</div>
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Table $25</div>
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Clock $5</div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/silver-electrical-cord-swag-kit.do?">Hanging lamp</a> $25</div>
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$118 For a complete overhaul. Everything else I already had, or made from salvaged items around the house!</div>
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I really like how these art clips turned out. I made 1 for each kid.<br />
(Yard stick, wooden clothes pins, paint, wood glue, staple gun, Command adhesive)<br />
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The left over <a href="http://cindyriddle.blogspot.com/2012/10/wall-art-on-budget.html">canvases</a> were a fun project for the girls.</div>
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The shelf was the first wood project I made after getting married. It's been in the garage storing assorted hardware for the past 10 years. After a good cleaning I moved it in and it fit the space and the bins perfectly.<br />
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I might still paint it in the future, but I just wanted to be done for now.</div>
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Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-61365782341876519442015-09-01T08:00:00.000-05:002015-09-01T08:00:09.059-05:00Mmmm Coffee....<br />
***The product you see in the photo was given to me in exchange for my honest evaluation. All opinions expressed are my own.***<br />
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My kids eat hot dogs, and mac and cheese. I have an unhealthy addiction to baked goods. I like my steaks medium rare, I even shop the center isles of my grocery store. **gasp**<br />
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That said, I try to avoid many of the chemical additives such as aspertame, acrylamide, polysorbates, BHA and BHT. My general rule of thumb is to try and stick to foods my ancestors would be able to recognize as food. I say all that so you get a better understanding of me. What you eat and serve your family is none of my business. We all make choices that are best for us, that's the beauty of living in a country with so many choices and sources of information.<br />
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Why such a long-winded disclaimer? Because my biggest obstacle in enjoying the Keurig is the plastic K-Cup Packs. For starters haven't we repeatedly been told that we shouldn't eat/drink foods that have been heated in plastic because of the toxins released? I honestly don't believe any company that tells me they've engineered a heat safe plastic. (Anyone ever played the card game BS?)<br />
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For years we've been told that us evil Americans are literally destroying the earth with our garbage. Here is a side by side photo of the old way and the Keurig way. (A 1 lb bag of coffee beans equals approximately 64 K-Cup Pack servings). That's 266% more garbage. I also can't help but wonder about the Fossil Fuels going into the K-cup Packs. It's interesting to note that there are "Green" companies that are part of this craze, yet very few actual stats are available to the consumer. (Remember that card game yet?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUDOY403hMVcAvYEdHfc9mkIQtzKBW32xza2oyNPHHaWpL-MWdOL2pgLObK1CNpZXaIjdpeWVV2dpiOkAnHJutcTxDLuFsXvyTPtBTe6xiCShoAHwKCiS6zB6gsg8XMMhdQ2KkA3_ESFs/s1600/20150122_163503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUDOY403hMVcAvYEdHfc9mkIQtzKBW32xza2oyNPHHaWpL-MWdOL2pgLObK1CNpZXaIjdpeWVV2dpiOkAnHJutcTxDLuFsXvyTPtBTe6xiCShoAHwKCiS6zB6gsg8XMMhdQ2KkA3_ESFs/s320/20150122_163503.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Sorry about all the skepticism, I'm actually a glass is half full kind of person. I do question the rational that humans are capable of changing the global climate that has historically seen continental shifts, worldwide flooding, an ice age, and an E.L.E. that wiped out the dinosaurs etc. So my concern over garbage production and fossil fuel usage may seem out of place, but as a Proverbs 31 woman I try to be a good steward of resources.</div>
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As a good MN girl, I <strike>like</strike> <strike>love</strike> bleed Caribou Coffee so that's what I'm going to compare. I expect similar findings from the other brands of available coffees. </div>
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Caribou Blend 12.99 1lb ($.20 per serving)<br />
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Caribou Blend 15.99 24 K-Cup Packs ($.67 per serving ) 2.67 packages of K-Cups = 1 bag of coffee. That's $42.53 vs. 12.99!<br />
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Now that I've gotten to geek out a bit, it's time to taste test!<br />
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I find the K-cup coffee to be much stronger than I can make with a traditional coffee maker, I put that in the plus column!<br />
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I also find it so easy to just make another cup, I have had to cut myself off at Noon so that I can sleep at night.<br />
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1 week into the test, I have put on weight from the constant availability of brewed beverages. Both my Vet and I have had heartburn problems that we have not previously had. We also feel like our heart rates have increased and feel jittery.<br />
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Final result: NOPE going back to my traditional coffee pot.<br />
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Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3117087142266559630.post-53515071884993492672015-06-03T19:36:00.002-05:002015-06-04T08:54:31.270-05:00Here's The Scoop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcHiqmc4FifkzTs2JaVgd0S3xvow-5v40lYkV97ZZzeMakBciXXv_zqyh-K-mHZcTnxRbIteUHygFankiDCwd_AOXvU7gU6z2UziL_a0QkU2ZjW0TIUiJWsUNgYgn3hFK6X_-RdJK8SNx/s1600/11411787_10205721563733398_6242450770249348299_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcHiqmc4FifkzTs2JaVgd0S3xvow-5v40lYkV97ZZzeMakBciXXv_zqyh-K-mHZcTnxRbIteUHygFankiDCwd_AOXvU7gU6z2UziL_a0QkU2ZjW0TIUiJWsUNgYgn3hFK6X_-RdJK8SNx/s400/11411787_10205721563733398_6242450770249348299_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Summer </span>is finally <span style="font-size: large;">here</span>! I am excited to share this little<span style="font-size: large;"> teacher appreciation gift </span>I whipped up for the kids' teachers. (BTW when did they grow so tall?)<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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We have a <span style="font-size: large;">great </span>local ice cream shop so I picked up some gift certificates and created this <span style="font-size: large;">pithy </span>little note for the girls to sign. </div>
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You can even <span style="font-size: large;">download </span>them and use them for your <span style="font-size: large;">personal </span>use. Since my gift certificates where <span style="font-size: large;">long</span>, I printed them as 8x4 cards. (My store charges a few cents more for cards than standard photo prints, so if you are using gift <span style="font-size: large;">cards </span>you could save some money and down load the standard 6x4 size.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumbt4jbrY5eZBqSSvAsQnOXqIsQ2-5pG1zZuk0auSfqYSoGbv1Lw4oxTZLbbINz5qEjDp7qDPUZa-M4SwbxoEugc3WKBrk2tTXgFB6WMJaGKHB6XbAkWEnCbWxImdhQXLPrzhSkolBhi-/s1600/one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumbt4jbrY5eZBqSSvAsQnOXqIsQ2-5pG1zZuk0auSfqYSoGbv1Lw4oxTZLbbINz5qEjDp7qDPUZa-M4SwbxoEugc3WKBrk2tTXgFB6WMJaGKHB6XbAkWEnCbWxImdhQXLPrzhSkolBhi-/s320/one.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0iVEs-DFSEYQjZYU2ZwZl9PQlk/view?usp=sharing">here</a> to download the 8x4</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgfqnmKnI_41_ykne87goyJ5z7GQaerchhdxrmWVCoWlWBHsjo5fRjqn1Z8tWvP4Qy6jel1vZCzXlKM3TU5dTrBdzdUI95DDOt0h8_T7h4ZONQgDm5K1pHDhRxGK0ZGEhJctQMyMC4dCT/s1600/One+Cool+Teacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgfqnmKnI_41_ykne87goyJ5z7GQaerchhdxrmWVCoWlWBHsjo5fRjqn1Z8tWvP4Qy6jel1vZCzXlKM3TU5dTrBdzdUI95DDOt0h8_T7h4ZONQgDm5K1pHDhRxGK0ZGEhJctQMyMC4dCT/s320/One+Cool+Teacher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0iVEs-DFSEYbEVWeXlwQkx3dGs/view?usp=sharing">here</a> to download the 6x4</div>
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You can print them on your own. I like the feel of the <span style="font-size: large;">heavier </span>photo printing so I <span style="font-size: large;">send </span>them to the grocery store and pick them up a <span style="font-size: large;">few </span>minutes later.<br />
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(If you are looking for ways to keep your kids busy this summer, check out my favorite local events site <a href="http://www.calendarprinceton.com/">www.calendarprinceton.com</a>. I have the icon on my home screen I use it so much!)</div>
Cindy Riddlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03831900112423828255noreply@blogger.com0